Community Farewells HNHS Principal Greg Fenton only the third Principal in 46 Years
The community farewelled Greg at a special function at the Shakespeare room at the ToiToi function centre on Saturday , the 19th of September 2022 , attended by Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst and ex-staff , students , and other community leaders . Also in attendance were three Board Chairs that worked with Greg during his decade of service to HNHS : Dianne Keip , Emma Appleyard and Andrew Schmidt .
Dianne was the longest-serving chair with Greg . She recalled meeting Greg at his community welcome function and felt an instant connection : “ He ’ s from my neck of the woods . His father was a runner , my mother was a district champion sprinter , and we had both ‘ landed here ’ in this beautiful part of the world . Later , that connection was deepened when I discovered that his first job as a teacher of PE was at a High School where my Aunt was Head of the PE Department . Greg was settling into his new role when in 2013 , a whole new Board arrived . Ali Sutherland , as the staff trustee , was the only remaining figure from the previous board , and with her wise guidance , we all agreed that we would work and learn together . That set the tone for a period of growth and development , with plenty of opportunities for me as a brand-new chair to engage , learn and share with two great Boards , and Greg as our ‘ CEO ’. Principals play a pivotal role in affecting the climate , attitude , and reputation of their schools . They are the cornerstone on which schools as learning communities function and grow . Successful school leadership is where schools become effective places of learning , where students are not only educated but challenged , nurtured and encouraged to be great citizens . uplifting effect it had on students , and it ’ s important to him that students have the equal opportunity to present themselves at their best on the occasions that warrant a special effort . He ’ s a fan of short speeches in others ; he ’ s a foodie . He ’ s incredibly proud of his kids – Kieran and Mikayla , and their partners , and I know he ’ s looking forward to having more time as a grandfather .
Greg , we celebrate and share your joy as you retire from work .”
Emma Appleyard was Greg ’ s second longest Board Chair , reflecting on Greg ’ s input into her Board career : “ At the start of my Board career , I was a very quiet Board member , still trying to find my feet and gain some confidence . I ’ m not sure if Greg is aware , but his gentle , consistent acts of encouragement , such as asking for my specific input on certain topics , gradually persuaded me that I did have skills and expertise that were relevant to the job . I also realised very quickly that Greg ’ s unwavering loyalty to Havelock North High School and his purposeful leadership were characterised by integrity and a desire to ensure that HNHS students were supported and encouraged to fulfil their full potential .
I asked my three sons , who went through the school with Greg as Principal for their input , and these are the words that came from them ; principled , professional , thorough , charismatic , a leader , collected , well-thoughtout , effective . Greg is a meticulous planner - I don ’ t know how many times I heard him say “ Failure to plan is planning to fail .” In his cupboard there is a coat , a hat , eyedrops , and a first aid kit . There are also spare number ones – Greg is rightfully proud of the change to the uniform and the
As my confidence grew , I decided to put myself forward as Board Chair when Dianne stepped away and was thrilled to be elected . Thus began a closer working relationship with Greg , where we got to know each other a little better and had to navigate some very choppy waters , which , dare I say it , included the global pandemic . Whilst I don ’ t want to dwell on the pandemic itself , I do want to celebrate Greg ’ s leadership during that time . Guided by Greg and carried out by our amazing teachers , support staff and the senior management team , HNHS learning carried on .”
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